Alexa does not want to confess the details of her day to her family. She knows once she slips the news of her up coming wedding it is all she will hear about for weeks.
Mary returned from her wedding only three weeks ago. Today everyone gathers around Clara and Mary. Both women suspect they're with child and the doctor should ring any moment.
The first ring of the phone has everyone in a frenzy, even Alexa. The thought of being an aunt brings joy to her heart. Amy and her partner have adopted a son and Natalie has twin boys, but it's always exciting knowing a child could be brought into the family.
"Hello?" Mary answers. "Uh-huh. Yes, doctor. Will do, doctor. Goodbye." The room is eerie quiet. Mary bursts into tears and the women around think only the worst. "We're both pregnant!"
Alexa stands and watches her mother and sisters rejoice in the news of two new children. Mary pulls Alexa into a hug. Alexa and Mary had always been the closest, being the two youngest and all.
Envy fills Alexa's veins. It confuses her. She know she isn't entirely ready to have a child, but the thought that two of her sisters are pregnant at the same time makes her jealous.
"Congratulations," Alexa tells both Mary and Clara, "I'm happy for you." Timothy watches from behind and he knows what Alexa is thinking. She excuses herself from the crowd and exits the cottage.
She contemplates walking to Grayson's house, but he lives across town. So instead she heads to the local tavern with just enough money to purchase a root beer float.
The pregnant waitress serves her the drink she ordered, no cherry. Alexa sips on her drink. She doesn't notice the young man with a cowboy hat slide into the seat before her. The sound of his boots catches her attention.
He has a nice tan, from being in the sun. His face is clean shaved but he has a five o'clock shadow going on. His clothing is clean, ironed, very different from the look of his muddy boots.
"Hello, pretty lady."
Alexa blushes slightly, her shyness making itself known. "Hello."
"What is a pretty laddie like you doing all alone?"
A sense of uneasiness washes over her. She isn't the most trusting person, but definitely not one to have such strong doubts right away.
"I am not alone," she lies, a shrug following. The cowboy stranger smirks and looks around.
"I don't see anyone else around," he presses. The stranger leans forward. "I am more than willing to accompany you."
Alexa sips on her root beer float, sizing the man up. But before she can say a snappy comment back a familiar voice cuts in.
"Grant, you know better than to make a move on a taken woman. Better yet, my woman."
Alexa looks up to see Grayson along with his younger brother. Grayson slides into the seat beside Alexa. He takes her left hand and thrusts it in the face of his brother. Grant burns a bright red. George snickers.
She snatches her hand back, embarrassed. Grayson presses a sweet kiss to her lips, only furthering her bashfulness.
Grant tips his hat at Alexa. "My apologies, Miss Hayden."
"It's all right, Grant. And, please, call me Alexa." Alexa didn't recognize Grant. She's only met his brothers for a brief moment that night weeks ago.
Grayson relaxes as his siblings converse with his fiancé. Pride bubbles inside him just thinking that he's one step closer to the dream family he wants so desperately. Alexa is going to be the best wife and mother, he knows it. He doesn't doubt it. Watching her laugh wholeheartedly at some cheesy joke George cracks reassures the fact she's the perfect match for him.
"Grayson?" Alexa's sweet voice breaks him from his thoughts. "May I ask how you found me?" George spilled the beans about Grayson going nuts looking for her. She finds it adorable, but Grayson is less than pleased that his brother enjoys teasing him.
"I knew you weren't at home, I had checked, and the theater is closed on Sundays. All that was left was the tavern."
Alexa smiles up at him. "I love you."
"I love you." He dips down and presses a kiss on her lips , much harder than before, and they both sigh happily.
Grant and George, however, groan in annoyance. Grayson simple waves his siblings away. The two men leave money for their drinks and leave.
Alexa clutches onto Grayson, allowing him to kiss her longer. But the voice clearing of the very pregnant waitress has Alexa blushing like mad. The check is left.
"Grayson?" Alexa calls again. Grayson tucks the cash in the check book before looking back at his love. "Do you believe in soul mates?"
He doesn't really know what to say. He's never through about a soul mate. In response he shrugs. "I am not sure, Dollface. But I do think if they're real then you and I are just that."
Grayson flicks her nose, igniting a giggle from her. Grayson speaks again. "I've been courting you for three months."
Grayson helps Alexa pull her jacket on. She looks up at him once again, confused as to why he's suddenly mentioning their courtship. "Yes, I know that. Why--?"
"I want to marry you in two days."
"Excuse me!" Alexa bursts. "Two days! That's barely enough time to tell my family of the wedding!" Grayson laughs softly at her outburst as he holds the tavern open for her. The two exit the building hand in hand.
He pulls her close, the November air nipping at them. "Two days. We will tell your family of our marriage tonight. Tomorrow we will arrange for the priest to visit my home, because you will be living with me, and we will invite anyone you please. Your sisters and you will buy any dress you want, no matter the cost. The next day you'll be the blushing bride, all dressed in white, and we will marry in our lounging area. We will host a small reception with drinks and food. Then we will honeymoon in a location only I know, where I will ravish every part of your body."
A shiver runs down Alexa's back. Her finger intertwine with Grayson's.
➖✖➖
"Oh, Alexa, you're ba-- Grayson! Grayson and Alexa! What a wonderful surprise!"
Valentina pulls her daughter and the handsome young man into her home. Clara, Mary, Natalia, Amy, and Lilly lounge around eating and conversing.
Grayson clears his throat. "Alexa and I have something important to discuss with you lot."
That has Timothy's attention. He sets his book down to watch his future son in law. Grayson and Alexa take seats in the opening spots.
Alexa can't stand seven pairs of eyes on her. She breaks into a cold sweat and tugs on Grayson's hand. He smiles down at her. Her heart picks up speed and she nibbles on her bottom lip.
Valentina and just about every person waiting for the discussion to start think of one thing: she's already pregnant.
"We're engaged." Before anyone can react Alexa speaks again. "And getting married in two days."
So the plans begin.
